The Mirpur pitch is once again in the spotlight. Even before the West Indies series began, the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium wicket sparked discussion and criticism. The pitch looks dark, and over time, some areas have become uneven.
But international cricket has seen worse. Some fragile pitches have produced historic records. Mushtaq reminded everyone of this ahead of the second ODI. In the 1999 Delhi Test against Pakistan, Anil Kumble took 10 wickets in a single innings. That pitch was even more fragile than the current Mirpur wicket.
Mushtaq said, “I have played on such pitches many times. The Delhi wicket, where Kumble took 10 wickets, was worse than this one.”
At a press conference, he was asked if he could have taken 7-8 wickets on this wicket. He quickly replied, “No, it is not that simple. It is not easy. My coaching advice is to trust your process and follow it. On pitches like this, you must sometimes step out of your comfort zone. Rishad bowled very well. He kept a good line and length consistently. Now he can bowl well for long periods. That is very satisfying.”
Even though the Mirpur pitch helps spinners, Mushtaq stressed the importance of sticking to the process. “Spinners get excited on such wickets. When you get excited, you forget the process. Process is everything. You must bowl good overs to get wickets, not just good deliveries. On a turning pitch, bowl maiden overs and bowl well. Then wickets will come. It is simple. Follow the process, and the wickets will follow.”
